Functional Rehabilitation of Shoulder Muscles – Evidence and Application

Overview

Functional Rehabilitation of Shoulder Muscles – Evidence and Application is designed to assist clinicians to make contemporary, evidence-based decisions as a result of improved clinical reasoning. Exercise is the mainstay of conservative treatment for shoulder dysfunction. However, evidence to support the efficacy of specific exercises for different categories of shoulder dysfunction is limited, leaving clinicians with the dilemma of how to choose effective, efficient exercises for their patients with shoulder dysfunction.

The course will explore recent research to inform the clinical reasoning process to provide a logical basis to determine specific, individually prescribed, therapeutic exercises for patients with shoulder pain. It will begin by revisiting and updating the detailed functional anatomy of the shoulder region to provide an anatomical basis to explain the presenting shoulder symptoms. By then applying this anatomical knowledge to the clinical assessment of the shoulder the course is designed to provide a logical, evidence-based clinical reasoning process to determine the most appropriate exercise strategy for each patient and to be able to progress these exercises in a functionally appropriate manner. The course concludes with a case study of a patient with a typical shoulder pain problem in order to apply the knowledge and skills gained to the clinical situation.

Presenters

Professor Karen Ginn, PhD, MHPEd, GD Manip Ther, BSc, APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Click here to view Karen’s full biography.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

critically evaluate the contribution of the current diagnostic classification system, imaging procedures and special orthopaedic tests in directing effective treatment for shoulder dysfunction
critically evaluate evidence in support of surgery and active (exercises) and passive conservative treatment for shoulder pain
critically evaluate the functional anatomy of the normal shoulder joint, in particular the:
- relative contribution of active and passive stabilising structures
- specific mechanisms whereby rotator cuff muscles contribute to shoulder joint movement and stability
- role of the scapula and axioscapular muscles in optimising shoulder joint and shoulder muscle function
- multiple roles muscles perform, and the level of muscle coordination required, in normal shoulder region function
critically evaluate commonly used methods of assessing and treating shoulder muscle dysfunction
incorporate recent evidence and functional anatomical principles into the clinical reasoning process to aid in:
- understanding the anatomical basis for the presenting shoulder symptoms
- determining the most appropriate exercise rehabilitation strategy
- progressing therapeutic exercises in a functionally appropriate manner
investigate alternative methods of assessing and restoring shoulder function that better reflect normal functional anatomy